Sunday, 10 January 2010

Bag Holder

I am all for trying to re-use and recycle instead of buying new things, like keeping carrier bags to use again and again when out shopping. I have a bin bag full of carrier bags under the stairs and this is not the best place for them, it would be nicer to have them more at hand. You can imagine my delight when searching for an idea to keep these bags in when I came across a ‘Bag Boy’ from Sewing Republic on You Tube.

1. Cut the fabric to the required measurements. Mark the right side of the lining at 1/2”, 21/2” & 3” on the widths (18” sides). The first marking will be where the trim will go. The other markings will be for the casing for the elastic elastic to go through.

2. Sew the trim on the first marking (1/2”) on both of the 18” sides. Press the fabric after sewing.

3. Attaching the lining to the Fabric. Put the fabric right sides together, pin and sew along the line just made to attach the trim.

4. Sew along the long sides with a 1/2” seam allowance and leave open the entrances for the casing. Also leave a 3” hole in one of the sides to be able to turn it right side out later on. There should be 5 holes in total. Trim the corners.

5. Turn the bag right side out and press. Sew along the lines to create the casings.

6. Fold the bag in half with the lining showing on the outside. Pin and sew along the long side using a 1/2” seam allowance. Remember to leave the casings open on each side.

7. Put a piece of ribbon in the top to create a loop for hanging it up.

8. Inserting the Elastic. Insert the elastic, one piece in each of the casings using a safety pin to pull it through to the other end. Pull the elastic to tighten the hole and sew the ends in place using a zig zag stitch on the sewing machine.

9. Turn right way around. Fill it up with carrier bags and hang it on a door handle. It’s ready to use.